October Health Topics

  Leaves are falling. Days are getting shorter. Do you find yourself feeling down in the dumps? Feeling overwhelmed? Feeling blue? Do you notice a change in your mood or the mood of a loved one? October 5 is National Depression Screening Day . Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org for more information.  

October is breast cancer awareness month . Early detection leads to early treatment. You can log on to www.nbcam.org/about_nbcam.cfm for more information or to send a friendly e greeting mammogram reminder greeting to someone you love. Ladies, when was your last mammogram?

  October also means that flu season is quickly approaching. Experts are unsure as to whether or not we will see a worldwide flu outbreak this time around, but it is best to be prepared! No matter how widespread the outbreak is, flu, influenza , is a serious illness. The CDC recommends flu vaccines as the #1 defense against the flu, especially for those most at risk from complications. This includes both children and adults with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease.

  Healthy habits are important as well. These include: keeping fingers out of noses, mouths and eyes, frequent hand washing with soap and water, refraining from sharing cups, straws, eating utensils and cell phones, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and getting adequate nutrition and rest. Look for more helpful information from your School Nurse.